Why I took matters into my own hands.

In recent weeks, I've had to make many decisions for Belskin. And honestly? It sometimes felt quite heavy and caused me a lot of stress. A recurring theme in my life is that I always want to be independent. Choosing my own path, having my own idea about something and sticking to it, setting my own pace. Those close to me sometimes describe this as being "stubborn"... maybe they're a tiny bit right. 🙈

But I've also discovered that it doesn't always come easily.

When I submitted all my formulas to a producer in February, I really thought: "Yes, we're off to a good start." But the reality was different. For months, our project was pushed back, because there always seemed to be a bigger client who got priority. And that hurt. It confronted me with a harsh lesson: if I'm not behind it myself, nothing happens. Or even worse: something happens, but not at all as I envision it.

I actually knew that, but now I felt it in my bones. You can't lean back and hope someone else makes your dream come true for you. You have to grab it yourself.

And just when I felt that frustration at its peak, my husband came up with an idea that sounded both crazy and brilliant:
"Why don't we just do it ourselves? Why don't we start our own production?"

My first reaction? Panic.
Okay, but... how?
Where? Which legislation? Which machines? Who can help us? It felt like I was standing before a giant mountain and didn't even know where the path began.

But we took the plunge. A specialized company from the Netherlands came by. They looked at our upstairs area in the institute and made a plan to convert it into a production space that meets all European regulations. The work starts in September. Exciting, right?

And now I'm facing the last, crucial step: the machines. I have spreadsheets full of specifications and quotes. Everything is ready. And yet I keep postponing it.

Why? Because I'm scared.

Scared that I can't do it. That this project is too big. That I might fail. Or that people will say: "See, it was too ambitious."

At the same time, I feel something else. A kind of calm. Because if I make that decision, it will finally be in my hands. Then I won't have to beg for someone to look at my project anymore. Then I'll truly be my own boss.

That feeling of dependency, by the way, led me to an important lesson: taking steps yourself is necessary, but no one has to do it alone. That's why we're now taking production into our own hands. Not because I can do or know everything myself, but because I'm looking for the right people around me to guide me. From a specialized company that helps with legislation, to experts who advise me on machines and installations.

And maybe you recognize that feeling too. Not with machines or production, but with your skin. That you feel dependent on what others promise or say works. Until you realize: I have to choose change myself – but with someone next to me who knows the way.

Because that's what entrepreneurship is to me. It's not just the beautiful pictures or the success of a new product. It's also doubt, procrastination, and being afraid you're not good enough. But at the same time, learning that fear and confidence can coexist.

And sometimes you have to jump... even if you feel the fear at the thought of all that still awaits you.

Lots of love,

Sofie